(Now if the name sounds familiar to you, perhaps you’ve just finished reading Kathryn Stockett’s novel, The Help. More on that connection later.)

“It’s a taste of the true South,” says Peter Sharp, innkeeper/owner. “You feel and experience the hospitality of the 103-year old the minute you set foot inside.”

Located in the Belhaven historic district, near both Milsaps and Belhaven colleges as well minutes away from downtown, the house remains one of the few architecturally designed homes of that period.

“We are in the business of selling romance,” he says. “Guests come here to be pampered.”

“It’s a special place. Fairview Inn has the ambiance of a small bed and breakfast, but with the amenities of a small hotel.”

The property features 18 guestrooms, all uniquely decorated and named. You can choose to rest your head in such rooms as the Natchez Room, featuring a queen bed and a Jacuzzi shower/tub; or the Greek Suite, with a king bed, Jacuzzi with separate shower, gas fireplace and sun room. Both type of rooms offer complimentary Internet (either through Ethernet or WiFi), televisions, separate work desks and other amenities.

A plus for many is you don’t have to go far to indulge. Onsite is nomiSpa, providing such treatments as a deep tissue massage, organic brown sugar scrub and more.

Fairview Inn is also home to Sophia’s Restaurant, serving lunch, dinner and brunch. The restaurant, open to the public, is described by Sharp as serving traditional southern dishes with influences from around the country. Each month, the restaurant features Culinary Tour of America. During these weekends, regional cuisine is highlighted through a four-course meal. Upcoming weekends include New York (August 26-27), New England (September 23-24), and Upper Midwest (October 28-29).

Even though Sharp didn’t know beforehand that Stockett would mention Fairview Inn in the book, it wasn’t by happenstance. As someone who grew up in the area, she was very familiar with the property’s heritage.

“Fairview Inn has been the place to host events,” he says. “Even today, we have a dozen bridge clubs that play here.”

He adds the book created some buzz with the property (and the stars of the movie, since Fairview Inn hosted them during some of the filming.)

Since the novel has been out, they’ve seen interested from book clubs traveling here and staying overnight. This led to the creation of the property’s newest package, The Help Experience. This includes overnight accommodations, dinner for two at Sophia’s Restaurant and The Help welcoming basket. Within the basket, you’ll find playing cards with a how-to book on playing bridge, bottle cokes, peanuts and more, including a self-guided driving tour of Jackson, showcasing landmarks from the novel.